What do you do when your digital safe doesn't open anymore?

[kevin mosley]

Any great ideas, guys and gals?

I have a Sentry digital entry fire safe that I keep handguns, important documents, etc. stored in. My code still activates the "green light" but the safe will not open.
I have changed batteries, turned the safe on its back, moved the door at the corners, but all to no avail.

Sentry suggested the above tactics in a customer service email. I have been attempting to talk to someone in customer service with them; no luck so far.
From Sentry's description of things, I believe that the problem is the solenoids are not triggering (I hear a hum, but no click, when I enter my combination).

Thanks,

 

[HOTCHKIS]

They usually come with keys so in the event that happens u can still open! See if the keypad screws off and then u should have access for a key!

 

[Warbirds]

From what I have read on the internet I don't think sentry safes have the key backup, but for you're sake I hope I am wrong. I have heard that electronic safes use a caterpillar drive screw (not sure what that is) as the mechanism that activates the lock allowing the safe to open. And that a common issue with electronic safes is that the motor for that mechanism can fail. I think you will need a locksmith to get you into the safe.

 

[Phillip Gain]

I was just going to suggest a locksmith. Let us know how it turns out.

(Sitting here glad I went with the cheaper "low tech" combination lock and manual latch safe.)

 

[Purple]

I found this info...maybe it might help you!

Sentry Fire Safe Won’t Open, It’s Broken! Can’t Unlock Fire Safe : CallItOut

 

[dcselby1]

Good luck with the safe. I've been considering whether to buy a digital or "standard" combo safe. I have not made my decision! My original fears had to do with dead batteries, etc. Thanks for the post.

 

[Iam2Taz]

Just make sure it has a key entry for your next one. Mine has both... Sorry about your troubles though. That does not sound good!

 

[walt629]

I was just going to suggest a locksmith. Let us know how it turns out.

(Sitting here glad I went with the cheaper "low tech" combination lock and manual latch safe.)

Simplest is the easiest!

 

[walt629]

May be something (the solenoids) are hung up like you think. Try whacking the door with a rubber mallet (quick repetitive strikes setting up a vibration) while trying to open it. Maybe the vibration will knock loose whatever is hanging up.

Works when I'm taking gear boxes and such apart.

HA! Addendum! I took a look at the link someone else offered and lo! Sentry suggests whacking it with a rubber hammer! I am just so smucking fart! Hehe!

 

[Keykutter]

A small hole in the right place will fix your problem. Sentry's don't have any hard plate.

KK

 

[mgttrmn]

the safe should have came with a key. Remove the battery cover / turn key pad. Should have key slot in there.

 

[Hoganbeg]

That's why I don't trust electronics. Too many things that can go wrong, plus, continuing expenses in the form of batteries. Simpler is better.

 

[Unfettered Might]

Interesting. Thanks for the link, now I know how to open mine. Its been stuck closed for a couple years now. It didn't really matter as it contained only family heirlooms and it was still protecting them right? Lol

 

[Unfettered Might]

That's why I don't trust electronics. Too many things that can go wrong, plus, continuing expenses in the form of batteries. Simpler is better.

Well to be fair, it was the mechanical part that failed wasn't it?

To the OP, if your hearing the hum, the electric motors are working, its the MECHANICAL part that isn't.

 

[kevin mosley]

Thanks to everyone for your input. I tried a few civilized solutions, then I went Caveman, with crowbar. Problem solved.

 

[ironmike86]

Ironworkers always fix stuff with a sledge hammer and a torch. Looks like you used the same type of method

 

[Throttleup]

Never buy a combination safe without a backup key. Sooner or later all batteries die. I have two gun safes and have had to use the key to get into each one at least twice in the last five years. Better luck next time.

 

[Keykutter]

Any safe that uses batteries that I know of has the batteries mounted outside the safe for replacement or a set of terminals to touch a 9vdc battery to. The combo is not lost because of dead batteries.

KK

 

[Jes]

Well the OP solved his problem with a crowbar. To those who may want to re-use the safe...

My Honeywell and Sentry safes with digital combo all have a rubber plug on the front panel that when removed reveal a key hole.

 

[Axeanda45]

Well the OP solved his problem with a crowbar. To those who may want to re-use the safe...

My Honeywell and Sentry safes with digital combo all have a rubber plug on the front panel that when removed reveal a key hole.

The OP informed us that his did NOT have a key hole... But I bet his next one will... (if he trusts electronic ones anymore)